“A lot of time, money and effort has gone into decorating the town with official London2012 Olympic street dressing. Especially to add some colour to the town and create excitement for residents and visitors, and to really make Petersfield feel part of the Olympic celebrations.

“We are asking people to contact the police on 101 if they have any information about the whereabouts of the missing street dressing. The police are taking this incident very seriously.

“Petersfield residents must be dismayed by the thieves' selfish actions. “